of North Little Rock, AR
December 12, 1935 - January 30, 2013
Barry Brian Findley, 77 years old, passed from this life to the next on January 30, 2013. His beloved wife of 59 years and their five children were by his side. He was a man deeply devoted to his faith, his family, and his profession. His enthusiasm for life, and adventure, along with his spirit for service to the community made him a man of fine character and great strength. Born in Little Rock on December 12, 1935 he was the son of Willis Winn and Bessie Twila Pearce Findley. He was the youngest of their five children. He attended Our Lady of Holy Souls School and Catholic High School where he was an outstanding member of the class of 1953. He was a starting member and right halfback of the Rocket football team and associate editor of The Cicerone newspaper as well as yearbook editor. He went on to study accounting at Lasalle University and Louisiana State University. He is survived by his devoted wife Betty Jeanne Weber Findley and his children: Sharon Findley Dillard (Jim) Richmond, VA, Barry Brian Findley II (Kathy) Little Rock, AR, Deborah Findley Stewart (Terry) Austin, TX, Karrie Findley Wroten (David) Little Rock, and Rhonda Findley of New Orleans, LA. He was proud of his eight grandchildren: James and Logan Dillard, Barry and Anna Findley, Ian and Jack Stewart, and Casey and Alex Wroten. They loved "Paw Paw" and will miss him deeply.
Barry was preceded in death by his parents and three of his siblings: Arlene Findley Loomis, Willis Winn Findley II, and Sister Patricia Lee Findley O.S.B. He is survived by his sister Twila Findley Finan Scott, of Jackson, Tennessee. He was Uncle Barry to numerous nieces and nephews and was loved and respected by friends, colleagues, and business associates far and wide. He joined his father's CPA firm in 1953 and spent the next 60 years in public accounting. He earned his CPA certificate in 1959. His depth of knowledge, genius, and integrity are legendary.
He was a board member and past Vice-President of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and former President of the Arkansas Society of CPAs. He served as President of the Catholic area school board and was appointed to the Catholic Diocese Finance Council by Archbishop J. Peter Sartain. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, The Serra Club, and served on an exploratory team that brought the Permanent Diaconate program to the Diocese of Little Rock. As an avid collector of Lionel Trains, he merged hobby and financial expertise into a position as a board member of the Lionel Collectors Club of America eventually becoming national treasurer for that organization. He was an enthusiastic member of the SEF Financial Club.
Another of his interests, aviation, began in his youth when he learned to build and fly model planes. He was a ferocious competitor and walked away with top honors in contests around the state. In 1952 he enlisted in the Air National Guard 8154th Air Base Squadron at Adams Field. He later became a twin-engine instrument rated pilot. In the 1970s his love of competition and his need for speed brought him to auto racing. He was a top competitor in Formula Atlantic and Formula Ford racing at Midwest and Southwest Division SCCA races, and he qualified for and competed in SCCA national championship races at Road Atlanta. In 1992 he competed in sports car endurance races, including a grueling 24-hour race at Watkins Glen, NY. If his schedule wasn't exhausting enough, he somehow found time to referee central Arkansas high school football games for 10 years. His interests were multi-dimensional and he put his heart into every endeavor whether it was for personal satisfaction or to give back to his community. He was unbeatable at chess, loved his poker crew, and for many years enjoyed lively doubles matches with his tennis buddies. He leaves behind long lasting friendships that have endured throughout the years. He was a member of St. Edwards and Immaculate Conception parishes. He believed in Catholic education and made sure his children were schooled in that tradition.
Visitation will be at 2pm Sunday February 3, 2013 at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, (501)224-8300, followed by a Rosary at 3pm.
The funeral mass will take place at 11am Monday, February 4, 2013 at Saint Edward's Catholic Church, 805 Sherman Street, Little Rock, AR, with Msgr. John O'Donnell as celebrant. Burial will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park, 7401 Highway 5 North, Alexander, AR.
Memorials may be made in his name to Mount Saint Mary Academy, Catholic High School, or the Arkansas Society of CPAs Scholarship Fund.
Please visit http://www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal to sign the online guestbook.
Barry's family would like to thank the staff at Hospice Home Care Little Rock for their support in his final days. The prayers, visits, and love from Barry's friends were a source of strength during his long journey home.
''Two roads diverged in a wood, and I, I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.'' ~ Robert Frost
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58 Condolence(s)
Howard Beswick
Friday, February 15, 2013
Hi Betty,
Sharon told me of Barry's death and I just wanted to express my condolences to you and your family at this time. I only met Barry a few times but I recall a likeable man with a passion for life and trains sorry to hear of his passing
Martha Fason
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Rita,
I want you to know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Love to you during this difficult time.
Reginald Rogers
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Debbie, Brian and Family: May God Bless you at this time ! I have known your father since my parochial school days at St. Edward's. He was a great person as is your mother. He was totally devoted to his family, his faith and his country. I am on the Board of Directors of The Gaines House. The Gaines House is a residential home for women with mental issues. Your father was of tremendous help to The Gaines House through support from the Sturgis Foundation. Your parents certainly raised their family well !!! He will be greatly missed at St. Edward's ! May he rest in the Peace of Christ. Reg Rogers St. Edward's Class of 1973
Paul Loomis
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Aunt Betty and Family,
I've always had fond memories when we were able to see you and Uncle Barry. He always had a smile and was ready for a laugh. Our love and thoughts are with you all.
Paul Loomis
Lisa Ham
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
I was very sad to hear about Mr. Findley. I so enjoyed working with him when he and Brian came to Anthony Forest. I know he will be dearly missed. He was such a gentleman with a sense of humor that I loved. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
Harriet Besmer-Wells
Monday, February 4, 2013
Dear Betty Jean and family, we are so sorry to hear about Barry's death. It was really great seeing you both at Bertha's birthday party last year. Know that we will keep you and the family in our prayers. Love from all of us in Tennessee.
Laura and Grant Hawkins
Monday, February 4, 2013
Karrie - Grant and I were sorry to hear about your father's passing. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ronnie Clay
Monday, February 4, 2013
My sincerest condolences to the Findley family. I lost my father over 4 years ago. It's never easy, and I still miss him today. Mr. Barry was a great man.
Linda Young
Monday, February 4, 2013
Brian, Kathy and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May Mr. Findley be at peace now, he will always be with you through your memories.
God Bless
Ann Hausen Croft
Monday, February 4, 2013
My condolences go out to you. Even when death is expected it is still so sad. I was away from Ar. for many years but when I saw that name in the obit I remembered him from 65 years ago (oh my goodness) at Holy Souls. Nice guy even then. Looked up his pic in my year book, the Laurel of 1949. Not the best picture-but there he was. Wonder what happened to all those folks, Hope some of them turned out nearly as nice as Barry.
Dan Wothen
Monday, February 4, 2013
My thoughts are with you all.
Barry was a good man.
Bill and Suzy Cotham
Monday, February 4, 2013
Barry sure was a nice person,always had a smile
our thoughts are with you all.
Tara and Dan
Monday, February 4, 2013
Karrie,
I am so sorry for your loss, in reading all of the comments it's quite obvious that your dad was a very special guy and loved by many.
Dan and I are thinking of you.
Robin Harris, ASCPA
Monday, February 4, 2013
Betty and Brian,
The thoughts and prayers of our entire staff are with you at this most difficult time. Please know that we are thinking of you all.
Gwen Forrest
Monday, February 4, 2013
I remember Mr. Findley coming by everyone morning drink coffee with my boss (Guy Maris III). He never failed to stop by my desk for a chat and to say Hello! I will miss Mr. Findley, a truly good man. My prayers are with you all.
Gwen @ Standard Abstract & Title Company
Barbara Anderson
Sunday, February 3, 2013
The Staff of Roberts Elementary School would like to express our sympathy to your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time and the days ahead.
Barbara Anderson, Principal
Sr.Deborah Troillett
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Dear Betty & Family,
I just learned of Barry's passing into eternal life. I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts, prayers.
I am so sorry I am not able to be present to pay my respect more personally. Your family has been a gift to me and to so many.
With love,
Sr. Deborah
Jeananne Hawking
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Kathy & Brian - my deepest sympathies in the loss of Mr. Findley. Although I did not know him personally, I have lost my dad and my father in law so I do know what you are going through. Focus on the memories they will see you through! Love to you all!
David Pence
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Betty, Sharon, Brian, Debbie, Karrie and Rhonda.
I was so sad to hear of Barry's passing when Porter called.
I have spent the weekend remembering all our times and travel with your family to various race tracks. Over the years, Barry, Porter and I would go to lunch to remember those days.
Always the same stories and we laughed just as hard each time. I will miss remembering those days with Barry.. My thoughts are with each of you in this difficult time.
jerry burchfield
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Always thinking...always messin' with you. I'll miss him. He was always a professional and always fun..the two rarely meet. Thanks to the Findley family for sharing Barry with the community all these years.
Mary Jo (Hamling) Massery
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Dear Betty,
My prayers and thoughts are will you. I am sure he will be truly missed but he is with the Lord now where he really wanted to be.
All my prayers and thoughts,
Mary Jo
Rufus & Carol
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Brian & Kathy! Our hearts are heavy for you and your family..
We hope that you can continue on the road less traveled
and remember with fondness the wonderful times you shared.
Jim & Gloria Shannon
Sunday, February 3, 2013
We are so saddened by your loss. Barry was a great friend and mentor for us over the years and we will really miss him. We are blessed to have known him and have his entire family and friends in our prayers at this sad time.
Terri Saugey Hennelly
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Debbie,
Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. So sorry for your loss.
Blessings,
The Hennelly Family
Mason Andres
Sunday, February 3, 2013
The world has lost a consummate professional and genuinely fine principled man. My deepest sympathy to the family.
Mason Andres
Kimberly Loomis Reynolds
Sunday, February 3, 2013
I'm so sorry for your loss. I have heard many wonderful stories of Uncle Barry over the years. We are thinking of you with many prayers and lots of love for you and your entire family.
Peace and Love,
Kimberly Reynolds
Judy Zimmerman
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Debbie,
I was so sorry to read about the loss of your dad. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Becki & Larry Vassar
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Betty,
We just found out about Barry. We are out of town, but want you and the family to know you're in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Love,
Becki & Larry
Patti Boyett
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Betty and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about your tragic loss of Barry. Anytime I was around him he was such a sweet and caring person. This was carried on through his family.
My peace I give you,
Patti Adametz Boyett
Dr. John Bartsch
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Brian, my thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time. May God hold you all close and give you His comfort.
Paul Dorman
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Betty,
So sorry to hear that Barry has passed. You and your family will be on my mind and in my prayers at this difficult time. May God grant that peace be with you all.
Shelia Trammel Carter
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Kathy and Brian, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Shelia Trammel Carter
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Kathy and Brian, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dr. Joseph, Debra, & Skylar Bussell
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Our prayers and thoughts continue to be with you especially in the coming days as you adjust without your physical loved one. May you rejoice in reflecting on the blessings that he brought in your life. To his credit he left a beautiful family. God bless you all.
Randy Shirley
Saturday, February 2, 2013
To The Findley Family,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you at this time. I first met Barry when Brian and I (and other Findleys) were students at the U of A. Since that time, I always looked forward to visiting with him. I found him to be a man of keen intellect, with an adventurous spirit and the greatest sense of humor. I certainly will miss such a great man along with the many whose lives he touched. Peace and love to each of you.
Jody Margrave Barber
Saturday, February 2, 2013
The Barbers send love and prayers to all the Findleys. Brad will remember Mr. Findley this evening at Mass. You are all in our thoughts.
Barbara "Bobbi" Dodge
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Betty, I just read about Barry's passing. It has touched me very deeply. You two were always two of our favorite people to "buddy" with at CPA conventions and meetings. Our gang is narrowing. Please accept my deepest sympathy and my love. Barry and Pat will have lots to talk about and joke about up there.
Martha & George Peters
Saturday, February 2, 2013
We send our love to you, Betty, and to all your family. Hoping to visit with you soon. Barry was a dear friend and will be greatly missed.
Mary /cornerstone pharmacy Lakewood
Saturday, February 2, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. Barry will be missed but never forgotten. Prayers are with you.
Tom&Nancy Sims
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Brian,
Your Dad had to be very proud of your devotion to him and your family during these difficult days of the past year. he was blessed to have a devoted son. Don"t forget to take care of yourself.
Warmly,
Tom and Nancy
Annette L. Nagle Allen
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Karrie,
I will say a prayer for you and your family.
I truly know loosing a father is hard. But, also I know God's home is so much better without worries and suffering.
God's strong arms are around you and your family for comfort and all the support needed.
God Bless You.
Sandy Loomis
Saturday, February 2, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. It is hard to say goodbye to our loved ones knowing the void it will leave in our lives but we must still celebrate the joyful memories that live on with each of us.
May the peace of the Lord be with you.
Gail and Gary Provencher
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Mrs. Findley, Sharon, Brian, Debbie, Karrie, and Rhonda we wish to express our condolences for the loss of your husband and father. Although we had never met Mr. Findley, we were humbled and amazed at the full life he had led. As friends of Sharon and Jim, we can attest his that his gift of fatherhood and great love is evident in your daughter Sharon as she has passed these on to her great sons. His integrity was also evident as I saw this in Sharon when we worked together at FDA many years ago. We will keep all of you in our prayers during this diffficult time as you all recall your own stories of this righteous man. God Bless and much love to you and family.
Donna Farrer
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Uncle Barry , what a wonderful man. Aunt Betty and family I send my condolences and I am praying for you as you go through this time of sorrow. Let your cherished memories of him put smiles on your faces. What a great man. I'm proud to have known him...
T. David Merritt
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Brian and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I appreciate so much working with your and your dad for so many years. Barry was so proud when you joined his firm and began working with us servicing the medical community. I know you will continue on with his great tradition of service to his many clients!.
KAY HURST/HAIR FIRST CLASS
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Our prayers are with you at this time May God bless you and comfort your hearts From ALL THE GIRLS at HAIR FIRST CLASS
Linda Dicus
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Betty,
So sorry for your loss. I remember vividly being a little girl and hiding to watch Barry pick you up for dates. It was so exciting to me. You were a beautiful couple. I lost George Aug 2011. It broke my heart so I know what you are experiencing. My Mother died Wed.and her funeral is today. I just wanted to offer my condolences and bring back memories you may have forgotten about. Linda
James A. Garrett, II
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Uncle Barry was a great friend and a nice uncle. I lived in the house that he grew up in, for my first three years with my mother Arlene, after my father's death in a Hellcat crash. Uncle Barry, must have played with me a lot during that time until Mom remarried to Robert Loomis and Mom and I moved away.
During the ensuing years we would return to visit from Dad's tours in the Air Force. I would love to talk and have fun with Uncle Barry and Aunt Betty. Both of them were great to me!
When I graduated from High School in Turkey and went to college up in Fayetteville, AR, Uncle Barry, Aunt Betty and I would go do some flying of a control line airplane I had built. That was a lot of fun! Uncle Barry taught me a lot about control line flying. I never knew that He was so good at it until after reading his obit. He always was helping me and making me laugh! What a great guy!
When I was flying in the Army during the Vietnam war I visited Uncle Barry and Aunt Betty and their passel of kids. They all seemed so happy!
After I got married to Marcia, we met Uncle Barry and Aunt Betty at Disney World in Florida. That was a lot of fun!
When I talked to Uncle Barry a few years back after he went to Medjugorje, he said that it was a wonderful religious experience. He said that made him very happy!
Uncle Barry and Aunt Betty and Marcia and I exchanged Christmas cards over the years but we have always remembered Uncle Barry as a lot of fun and very positive. Every time I think about him it brings a smile and I remember all the good times and encouragement in my flying too! I will miss him but I know that he would love to fly with the angels in Heaven, also! James Garrett
David F. jones
Friday, February 1, 2013
Mrs. Findley, Sharon, Brian, Debbie, Karrie , Rhonda - I am saddened by the passing of a fine husband, father and friend. I will miss hearing him call out "Jones" and watch him roll his eyes at me for one reason or another! I take comfort knowing he is now free of any pain and suffering and walks hand in hand with our savior and Lord. My prayers go out to the Findley family.
Cia Wenzel
Friday, February 1, 2013
Deeply sorry for the loss to family and friends. My love and prayers, Cia Wenzel
SAL & DONNA Gambino
Friday, February 1, 2013
Betty , Donna and I are so sad for your loss.
Barry was a true gentleman and we loved meeting you both at the LCCA CONVENTIONS.
HE WILL BE TRULEY MISSED BY ALL..
Pamela Loomis
Friday, February 1, 2013
We have so many wonderful memories of Uncle Barry and Aunt Betty, our love will be with you always! Mom and Dad loved Barry so much and were so proud of his talents and accomplishments and also his crazy hobbies! Such a fantastic life he had, we will miss you! Your Niece!, Pamela Loomis
Stephanie Beall
Friday, February 1, 2013
The Beall family is so sorry for your loss. I pray you all find peace in the days ahead.
Bob and Dinah Carter
Friday, February 1, 2013
Barry,
We'll miss you. I guess it will be up to Dinah and me to handle security at the banquets from now on. Thanks for all your advice and wisdom and honest condern. You were a great mentor and a true friend.
Jean-Marie (Findley) Williams
Friday, February 1, 2013
Uncle Barry's endearing humor and phenomenal story telling ability will always hold a very special place in my heart...as will his strong character and love for his family. I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to Aunt Betty and the rest of the family.
Pricilla Smith Reeves
Friday, February 1, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss.
I learned so much from Barry over many years as he audited for Anthony Forest Products Company.
Susan & John Ellingson
Friday, February 1, 2013
Barry,
You will be deeply missed.
W W FINAN
Friday, February 1, 2013
Uncle Barry....sorry for your loss....Great Guy